Peer Mentoring Program

ABSTRACT

The Rutgers Business School Peer Mentoring Program links current RBS students with incoming first-year students and transfer students who are looking to gain support and encouragement regarding their academic and personal growth. Mentors are expected to take mentees “under their wing” and guide them through many aspects of the mentee’s personal or professional life. Some typical topics mentees seek help navigating include picking elective classes, comprehending the Rutgers lingo, advice in finding an internship, etc. As a result, mentees will develop friendships/lasting mentorships through successful matching and show signs of mentoring success and satisfaction (eg. Higher GPAs of mentored students vs class average, and strong “graduation” rate of peer mentees becoming mentors, and positive survey outcomes).

PROGRAM GOALS

• The mission is to create a program that develops meaningful connections between upperclassmen and first-year students (later transfers included as well)
• Easing the transition from HS/reducing “college shock”
• Perpetuate a quick acclimation to RBS and Rutgers in general (acronyms, busses, classes, resources, clubs, etc)
• Develop friendships/lasting mentorships through successful matching
• Show signs of mentoring success and satisfaction (eg. Higher GPAs of mentored students vs class average, and strong “graduation” rate of peer mentees becoming mentors, and positive survey outcomes)
• Aid in transitioning students into their first semester at college

MENTOR-MENTEE PAIR EXPECTATIONS

• Meet at least twice per semester, one-on-one
• Minimum number of “engagements” outside of meetings
• Attend Mandatory Engagements (eg. Year-end ceremony, mentor/mentee orientation, initial match day, complete surveys, etc.)
• Signed expectation document with a confidentiality agreement